Devon Dampier once terrorized Las Vegas when he was with New Mexico, but the Utah quarterback put on an impeccable showing against a different opponent.
On Wednesday, Dampier put the Utes on his shoulders and announced his potential Heisman run next season in a 44-22 obliteration of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2025 Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium.
The game was not only significant for Dampier, but also new head coach Morgan Scalley, as the longtime defensive coordinator got promoted after former head coach Kyle Whittingham took the same position at the University of Michigan.
Despite the score, the game was initially a slugfest, with Utah and Nebraska both getting out to fast starts.
Freshman running back Mekhi Nelson kicked off the scoring with a 38-yard touchdown run, then TJ Lateef found wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. to cap off the next drive.
Utah would respond with Dampier running for the first points of the game for the Utes, then getting his first passing touchdown to wide receiver and Coronado High School (Henderson) product JJ Buchanan.
From there, the game would take a turn for the worst for the Cornhuskers.
Nebraska could not solve Scalley’s defense for eight consecutive drives, while Dampier continued doing damage both on the ground and through the air. The quarterback would dominate with two more scoring touchdowns and another throw to tight end Dallen Bentley to push the game out of reach. It would ultimately lead to a 20-8 run in the second half, pushing the score into blowout territory.
Lateef would push the game back to respectability with a seven-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion in garbage time, but it was too late by then.
Winning the MVP award of the game, Dampier threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 148 rushing yards and three additional touchdowns on the ground. Bentley paced the game with 106 yards and a touchdown, while Buchanan added 76 yards and a touchdown. Running back NaQuari Rogers was responsible for the remaining touchdown on the game.
For the Huskers, Lateef finished the game with 182 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while also running for 22 yards and another score. Nelson was the other notable offensive threat in lieu of 2026 NFL Draft declaration Emmett Johnson, running for 88 yards and a touchdown while making three catches for 48 yards.
